Hebraists Appeal to Gorki to Stop the Persecution of the Hebrew Language

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

Although no official decree has been issued by the Soviet Government making the instruction and use of the Hebrew language a punishable crime, the Hebrew language is prohibited in Soviet Russia. This prohibition is being enforced by continuous persecutions against Hebrew writers, publishers and teachers.

This is declared in a memorandum submitted to Maxim Gorki by a group terming itself: “The Subterranean Conference of Hebrew Teachers, Tarbuth.” The correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency has obtained a copy of the appeal in which the famous Russian writer, who has influence with high Soveiet officials, is implored to intervene with the central authorities and obtain assurances that these persecutions will cease.

“Do you know that Hebrew is prohibited in Russia, although no official decree prohibiting it has ever been promulgated? The Jewish population in Soviet Russia, numbering three million, is not permitted to publish a single newspaper or periodical in the Hebrew language. Not a single publishing house for Hebrew books is in existence. Hebrew literature has been thrown out of the libraries. Not a single school exists in the Soviet Union where Hebrew may be taught. You cannot be silent. We urge you to intervene in this matter,” the Hebraists’ appeal reads.